Outlines In 

Civil Government 

for 

Minnesota 

and the 

United States 


By GEO. F. HOWARD 

EX. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF OLMSTED COUNTY 
1281 RAYMOND AVENUE 
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA. 


Price 

Twenty-Five Cents 


COPYRIGHT APPLIED FOR 


19 11 









V 



Outlines In 

Civil Government 


for 

Minnesota 

and the 

United States 


By GEO. F. HOWARD 

EX. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF OLMSTED COUNTY 
1281 RAYMOND AVENUE 
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA. 


Price 

Twenty-Five Cents 


\ 



t 


COPYRIGHT APPLIED FOR 










r 






/ 




©CI.A289721 


FOREWORD 


T HIS little book has been written with a view of mak¬ 
ing the study of Civics more pleasant to the student 
and furnishing him with a clear, concise outline of 
the steps in the various forms of local, state and national 
government. The book will be found helpful to all stu¬ 
dents of Civics, and especially in country schools, where 
reference books are often not so numerous as they should 
be. It will be found valuable for rapid, definite review 
work in summer schools. 

Care has been taken to have the outlines accurate and 
up-to-date, and any one discovering any errors will confer 
a favor if they will report the same. 

The writer wishes to acknowledge many helpful sug¬ 
gestions and criticisms given by Mr. Joseph G. Norby, 
Principal of High School, Mankato, and if the work has 
any merit, much is due-hirfi for it. 

Geo. F. Howard 

1281 Raymond Ave. 

St. Paul, Minnesota. 



Minnesota Civil Government 

School Districts 

A School District is a Division of a County, organized Under the 
Laws of the State for School Purposes 

Kinds of School Districts 

1. Common. 

2. Special. 

3. Independent. 

School-Board in Common School District 

1. Members. 

1. Clerk. 

2. Chairman. 

3. Treasurer. 

How and when chosen. 

By the people at the annual school meet¬ 
ing held on the third Saturday in 
July each year. 

Term of office. 

Three years, one being chosen each year. 

Qualifications. 

Must be qualified voters in state election. 

Salary. 

Clerk receives a fee of 2 per cent of the 
cash not exceeding $6 per year, upon 
making his annual report to the 
superintendent as required by law ac¬ 
curately and in proper time. 

Treasurer may receive such an amount as 

K> 

may be voted at the regular school 
meeting, not exceeding 2 per cent of 
money disbursed by him, to be al¬ 
lowed only after his annual report has 
been approved by board. 

Chairman receives -no compensation. 


3 


Vacancy. 

1. Vacancy filled by appointment by the 

board until the next annual school 
meeting. 

2. May be filled by election at special 

meeting called for that purpose. 

Steps in Formation of New Districts 

1. Extent. 

1. Must contain not less than 4 sections 

of land. 

2. Must contain at least twelve children of 

school age. 

2. Majority of freeholders must petition county 

board to make such territory a common or in- 

i/ 

dependent district. 

3. Petition to County Board must contain. 

1. Correct description of territory to be 

included. 

2. Number of persons residing therein. 

3. Names and ages of all children residing 

therein and the district in which each 
lives. 

4. The districts in which territory lies, and 

number of children in each district. 

5. Reasons for formation of district. 

4. County superintendent must approve of petition. 

5. County board shall fix time and place of hear¬ 

ing, shall cause two weeks 7 published notice to 
be given; shall give 10 days 7 posted notice in 
each district affected, and notice served on 
clerk of each district 10 days previous to hear¬ 
ing. 

6. At the hearing, county board shall hear evidence- 

and argument; shall make an order granting or 
denying petition. 

7. If petition be granted, order shall describe dis¬ 

trict, give it name or number, be signed by 
chairman, filed with auditor, who shall mail 
copy to clerk, of each district affected, and 
cause 10 days 7 posted notice to be given of ai 
meeting to organize new district. 

Powers of Animal School Meeting 

1. Appoint moderator, and clerk pro tern, if clerk be- 

absent. 

2. To adjourn from time to time. 


3. To elect by ballot officers of the district. 

4. Fix number of months of school. 

5. Vote funds for maintenance of school. 

6. Appoint librarian. 

7. Make rules for use of library. 

8. Direct board to make designated improvements. 

9. Provide free text-books. 

Powers and Duties of School Board 

1. Have general charge of business of district, of 

the school house, and the interest of the 
school. 

2. Purchase apparatus, furniture, etc. 

3. Provide outbuildings, plant shade trees, procure 

insurance on property, make repairs thereon. 

4. Lease rooms for school purpose. 

o. Employ qualified teachers, and discharge same 
for cause. 

6. Provide for heating and care of school room. 

7. Provide for payment of all just claims. 

8. Adopt, contract for, and purchase text-books 

needed for school. 

9. Defray expenses of school board and pay for at¬ 

tending one meeting of school boards in each 
} T ear, when called by county superintendent. 

10. Superintend and manage schools of the dis¬ 

trict. 

11. Shall visit each school at least once in three 

months. 

12. Prosecute or defend actions by or against the 
district. 

13. May admit to schools non-resident pupils, and 

fix rates of tuition. 

14. May provide transportation for pupils living 

more than one-half mile from school house. 

15. May discontinue school in district and provide 

for instruction of pupils in adjoining dis¬ 
trict, and free transportation to the same. 

Independent District 

School Board in Independent District 

Number of Members. 


Election. 

Elected by the people at the annual school 
meeting. 


5 


Term. 

Three years, two being chosen each year. 

Officers. 

Chairman. 

Clerk. 

Treasurer. 

Quorum. 

A majority shall constitute a quorum. 

Powers and Duties 

(See duties of School Board in common school dis¬ 
tricts ). 

Additional. 

1. Establish evening schools. 

2. Establish kindergartens. 

3. Receive bequests and donations for the benefit of 

the district. 

4. Remove for cause any member or officer of board 

and fill vacancy. 

• ** 

Special District 

Special districts were formerly organized by act of the legisla¬ 
ture. Such districts are no longer formed, since special legislation 
is now forbidden by our state constitution. 


The Township 

A township is a division of a county usually six miles square. 

A town is a term applied to the government of a township in 
its corporate capacity, organized by the county board for the purpose 
of local self government and the administration of justice. 

How organized. 

Whenever a majority of at least 25 legal 
voters petition county board for 
government, the hoard must fix the 
boundaries and give name which 
voters have designated and authorize 
voters to proceed with organization. 

Town Officers and Term of Office 

Three supervisors, 3 years. 

Clerk, 1 year. 

Treasurer, 1 year. 

Assessor, 1 year. 

Two justices of peace, 2 years. 

Two constables, 2 years. 

Overseers of highway, 1 year. 

6 


Town Meeting Held the 1st Tuesday in March 
Powers of Town Meeting 

1. To elect town officers. 

2. To elect overseers of highways. 

3. To levy a tax for town purposes. 

4. To buy, sell, or improve town property. 

5. To receive reports of town officers and approve 

the same. 


Board of Supervisors 


Number of members. 
Three. 

Election. 


Elected by people at annual town meeting 
held on the second Tuesday in.March. 

Salary. 

Three dollars per day for actual service. 


Powers and Duties of Supervisors 


1. Constitute judges of elections. 

2. Constitute town board of health. 

3. Constitute town board of equalization. 

4. May levy poll tax, and tax for road purposes. 

5. Lay out and alter roads and cartways. 

6. Have charge of all roads and bridges, and im¬ 

provement of same. 

7. Allow all bills against the town. 

8. Meet annually to review business of the town and 

make report to town meeting. 


Duties of Town Clerk 


1. Is clerk of board of supervisors. 

2 : Is clerk of elections and town meetings, aiid keeps 
records of the same. 

3. Countersigns all orders on the town treasurer. 

4. Posts notices of elections, town meetings, and 

others required by law. 

5. Keeps record of births and deaths in the town. 

6. Keeps record of all chattel mortgages given in 

the town. 


Duties of Town Treasurer 

1. To receive‘all money belonging to the town from 

county treasurer. 

2 . To pay out the same on warrants, signed by 

chairman of town board and countersigned by 
town clerk. 

3. Make a financial statement annually at town 

meeting. 


Duties of Assessors 

1. Fixes cash value of all personal property in town 

as a basis for taxation every year, and of real 
estate once in two-years. 

2. Returns all books and records, to county auditor. 

Duties of Justice of Peace 

1. Has original jurisdiction in all civil actions, in 

which the amount in controversy does not ex¬ 
ceed $100, and in criminal cases where the pun¬ 
ishment does not exceed a fine of $100 or three 
months imprisonment. 

2. Has no jurisdiction over actions involving real 

estate. 

3. Jurisdiction extends over the county. 

%/ 

Duties of Constables 

1. Serve summons, warrants, executions, warrants 

and attachments issued by justices’ courts. 

2. Summon and have charge of juries for the same. 

3. May replevy and sell property when ordered. 

4. Summon coroner’s juries. 

\ 

Overseer of Highways 

1. Keeps the roads in repair, and make new roads. 

2. Supervises the work done from persons in their 

respective districts, and work to be done in dis¬ 
charging road tax. 


Causes which Lead to the Formation 
of New England Township 

1. Nature and lay of the country. 

2. Church privileges. 

3. School purposes. 

4. For defense against Indians. 

5. Small farms. 


Causes which Led to Formation 
of Virginia County 

1. Nature and lay of the country. 

2. Large plantations. 

3. Cultivation of tobacco. 

4. Introduction of slavery. 

5. Need of transportation for produce. 


The C ounty 

A county is a division of the state, containing not less than 
400 square miles nor less than 2,000 inhabitants, organized under 
the laws of the state for the purpose of local self government and the 
administration of justice. 

How Organized 

1. One-fourth of voters must file a petition with 
secretary of state. 

. 2. Governor orders an election to vote on organiza¬ 
tion. 

3. People vote on organization. 

4. State canvassing board canvass returns, and re¬ 

port result to governor and secretary of state. 

5. If carried, governor issues proclamation declar¬ 

ing the same carried. 

6. Change becomes effective on issuance of proclama¬ 

tion. 

7. Notice given to auditors in counties affected. 

Reasons for Having Counties 

1. To establish the lower organizations. 

2. To serve as a medium between the state and the 

lower organizations. 

3. To carry on public works beyond the power of the 

towns individually. 

4. To secure certain local officers not needed in 

every town. 

5. To serve as a territorial basis for the apportion¬ 

ment of members of the legislature. 

G. To make justice cheap and accessible. 

County Officers 

List of. 

1. County board. 

* 4 

2. Auditor. 

3. Treasurer. 

4. Register of deeds. 

5. Sheriff. 

G. Judge of probate. 

7. County attorney. 

8. Coroner. 

9. Superintendent of schools. 

10. Surveyor. 

11. Court commissioner. 

12. Clerk of court. 

Term of office. 

1. County board—4 years. 

2. Clerk of court—4 years. 

3. All others—2 years. 

9 



Nominated. 

By primary election seven weeks preced¬ 
ing general election. 

Election. 

Elected by people at biennial elections held 
the first Tuesday after the first Mon¬ 
day in November in even-numbered 
years. 

Vacancy. 

Vacancy in county board filled by appoint¬ 
ment by chairman of town boards of 
district in which vacancy exists. 

2. Vacancies in other county offices filled 
by appointment by county board. 

Removal. 

May be removed by the governor. 

The County Board 

1. Number of members. 

Five. 

2. Term of office. 

Four years. 

3. Salary.. 

Fixed by law, varying according to valua¬ 
tion of county. (See Statutes). * 

4. Powers and duties. 

1. Lav out and alter county roads and 

highways. 

2. Have charge of all countv buildings 

O J o 

and property. 

3. Care of county poor. 

4. Organize new school districts, and 

5. Organize townships. Organize vil¬ 

lages. 

6. Levy a tax for county purposes. 

7. Allow all claims against the county. 

8. Select list of men to serve as grand 

and petit jurors. 

9. Fill vacancies in county offices. 

10. Constitute county board of equaliza¬ 

tion. 

11. Constitute board of health. 


10 


Duties of County Auditor 

1. is clerk of county board and keeps record of 

their proceedings. 

2. Is custodian of county papers. 

3. Issues all orders on county treasurer. 

4. Computes taxes-and makes tax lists. 

6. Issues hunters license. 

7. Prints county ballots. 

County Treasurer 

1. Collects all taxes paid by the people for school, 

town, village, city, county and state purposes. 

2 . Safely keeps all money and pays out the same on 

warrants signed bv county auditor. 

3. Keeps accounts in daily balance. 

4. Is not to speculate in warrants or loan funds. 

Register of Deeds 

1. Keeps a record of all papers involving the title 
to real estate. 

.2. May make abstracts of title to real estate. 

«/ 

Judge of Probate 

1. Has jurisdiction over the estates of deceased per¬ 

sons. 

2. Appoints guardians for minors and incompetents. 

3. Examines persons for insanity. 

4. Solemnizes marriages. ' 

County Attorney 

1. Represents the county in all actions in which the 

county is a party. 

2. Represents the state in all criminal actions in 

justice and district court. 

3. Is the legal adviser of county officers. 

County Surveyor 

1. Makes survey for county improvements. 

2. Must preserve field notes. 

3. Settles disputes over boundary lines. 

County Superintendent 

1. Is general supervisor of education in the county. 

2. Examines and licenses teachers. 

3. Collects statistics for state superintendent and 

county auditor. 

4. Visits schools and advises school officers. 


n 


Sheriff . . i 

1. Preserves peace within the county. 

2. Attends district court, and executes its orders. 

3. Pursues criminals and commits them to jail. 

4. Has charge of county jail and is responsible for 

prisoners in it. 

5. Opens- and closes sessions of court. 

6. Executes sentence of the Gourt. 

Glerk of Gourt 

1. Is clerk of district court and keeps a record of 

proceedings of the same. 

2. Files and preserves papers relating to actions in 

district court. 

3. Issues naturalization papers. 

4. Issues marriage licenses. 

5. Administers oaths. 

6. Solemnizes marriages. 


Goroner 

1. Inquires into cause of deaths arising from other 
than natural causes: 

2. Summons jury for inquests. 

3. Holds inquest in cases of death from supposed 

violence. 

4. Acts as sheriff in case of vacancy in that office. 

Gourt Commissioner 

1. Has powers of district judge in chambers. 


The County Courts 

J 

The justice court has original jurisdiction in all civil actions in 
which the amount in controversy does not exceed $100, and in crimi¬ 
nal actions where the punishment does not* exceed a fine of $100 or 
three months’ imprisonment. 

The district court has original jurisdiction in civil actions in 
which the amount in controversy exceeds $100, and in criminal 
cases in which the punishment exceeds a fine of $100 or an imprison¬ 
ment of three months. It has appellate jurisdiction over cases 
arising in justice and in probate courts. 

A civil action is one having for its object the enforcement of a 
private right, or the securing of compensation for an infraction there¬ 
of. 

The person bringing the action is called the plaintiff. The one 
against whom it is brought is called the defendant. Together they 
are called the parties to the action. 


r_> 


Civil Actions 


Steps in Civil Action 

Before trial. 

1. Complaint made by plaintiff. 

2. Summons to defendant issued by jus¬ 

tice through constable or sheriff. 

3. Answer by defendant. 

4. Complaint and answer constitute the 

pleadings or issue. 

At trial. 

1. Impannelling of jury. 

2. Opening by plaintiffs attorney. 

3. Examination of plaintiff’s witnesses. 

4. Cross examination of plaintiff’s wit¬ 

nesses by defendant’s attorney. 

5. Opening by defendant’s attorney. 

6. Examination of defendant’s witnesses. 

7. Cross examination of defendant’s wit¬ 

nesses by plaintiff’s attorney. 

8. Closing argument by defendant’s at¬ 

torney. 

9. Closing argument by plaintiff's attor¬ 

ney. 

10. (In district court) Judge’s charge to 

jury. 

11. Verdict of jury. 

12. If for plaintiff, then settlement or ap¬ 

peal to district court. 

13. If not settled, then court issues execu¬ 

tion. 

14. Execution returned. 

Satisfied. 

Unsatisfied. 

15. If unsatisfied then judgment entered. 

16. Judgment recorded in the office of 

clerk of court. 

17. Judgment valid for ten years against 

the property of defendant. 

Criminal Actions 

Jurisdiction of Justice’s Court 

1. To try charges where the punishment prescribed 

b}^ law does not exceed a fine of $100 or im¬ 
prisonment for three months. 

2. To examine persons charged with crimes greater 

than those specified above, and to dismiss them 
or hold for trial in a court having jurisdiction, 
as the facts seem to warrant. 

3. To prevent crimes by requiring reckless persons 

* to give security to keep the peace. 


, Steps in Criminal Actions 

Before trial. 

1. Complaint entered by any one having knowledge 

of the crime. 

2. Warrant issued by justice ordering arrest of 

criminal. 

3. Return of warrant. 

4. Preliminary examination of criminal before a 

justice. 

5. Indictment by grand jury. 

G. Arraignment of criminal. 

o 

At trial. 

1. Impannelling .of jury. 

2. Opening by state attorney. 

3. Examination of witnesses for the state. 

4. Cross examination of witnesses for the state by 

defendant’s attorney. 

5. Opening by defendant’s attorney. 

6. Examination of defendant’s witnesses. 

4. Cross examination of defendant’s witnesses by 
state attorney. 

8. Closing argument by state attorney. 

9. Closing argument bv defendant’s attorney. 

10. (In district court) Judge’s charge to jury. 

11. Verdict of jury, guilty or not guilt}^. 

12. If guilty, sentence by the court. 

Rights of Accuused 

Rights Before Trial 

1. Right to a speedy trial. 

2. Right to compulsory process for obtaining wit¬ 

nesses in his behalf. 

3. Right to bail, except in capital offenses. 

4. Excessive bail shall not be required. 

Rights at Trial 

1. Right to a public trial. 

2. Right to counsel in his behalf. 

3. Right to be confronted bv the witnesses against 

him. 

4. Cannot be compelled to witness against himself. 

Rights After Trial 

1. Right of appeal to higher court. 

2. Cruel or unusual punishments shall not be in¬ 

flicted. 


14 


3. Cannot twice be put in jeopardy of life or limb 
for the same offense. 


Probate Court 

Number of judges. 

One in each countv. 

J 

Term of office. 

Two years. 

How chosen. 

Elected by the people at state elections. 

Salary. 

Fixed by law. 

Jurisdiction. 

1. Over estates of deceased persons. 

2. Has appointment of guardians for 

minors and incompetents. 

3. Adjudgment of insane. 

Proceedings in Probating a Will 

1. Petition to probate the will. 

2. Citation to persons interested through newspa¬ 

pers, or by personal notice. 

3. Hearing the proofs of will. 

4. Admission of will to probate. 

5. Appointment of administrator. 

6. Notice to creditors. 

7. Inventory of estate. 

8. Auditing claims against the estate. 

9. Settlement of estate and division of property. 

Proceedings in Gase No Will is Made 

1. Petition by some one interested in the estate, 

for appointment of administrator. 

2. Citation to persons interested by published notice. 

3. Hearing and appointment of administrator. 

4. Notice to creditors. 

5. Inventory of estate. 

6. Settlement of claims. 

7. Final hearing and division of estate according 

to law. 


15 


The Village 


Steps in Incorporation 

1. Must contain not less than 200 nor more than 

3,000 inhabitants, nor belong to airy other cor¬ 
poration. 

2. Must be platted into blocks and lots. 

3. Twenty-five voters petition county board to order 

an election to vote on corporation. 

4. People vote on incorporation. 

5. Papers filed in office of county auditor. 

6. Certified copy of papers filed with secretary of 

state. 

Village Officers 

List of. 

Council. 

President. 

Three trustees. 

Recorder. 

, Treasurer. 

Assessor. 

Justice. 

Constable. 

Term of office. 

Council. 

Three years. 

J ustice. 

Two years. 

Constable. 

Two years. 

All others. 

One year. 

«/ 

How Elected 

By the people at the annual election held the first 
Tuesday in March. 

The City 

A city is a territory containing not less than 2,000 inhabitants, 
organized for purposes of local self-government. 

Why We Have Gities 

1. To provide a larger number of polling places for 

voting. 

2. To give enlarged powers of taxation. 


1(5 


3. To provide special courts. 

4. To provide for local improvements such as gas, 

light, water, police, and fire protection. 

How Organized 

1. Under general law. 

2. Under special charter. 

City Officers 

1. List of. 

Mayor. 

Members of council. 

Recorder. 

Treasurer. 

Assessor. 

Attorney. 

Justice of the peace. 

Municipal judges. 

2. How Nominated. 

By party caucus and primaries. 

3. Election. 

By the people at annual election. 

4. Term of office. 

Members of council, two years. 

Other officers, usually one year. 

5. Salary. 

Fixed by law or city ordinance. 

Powers and Duties of City Officers 

Powers and Duties of the Mayor 

1. To preside over meetings of the Council.- 

2. Is head of police department. 

3. Has appointing power in certain cases. 

4. Has veto power over ordinances passed by the 

council. 

Powers and Duties of the Council 

1. To pass ordinances for local government. 

2. To confirm appointments made by the mayor. 

3. To levy a tax for city expenses. 

4. To allow all bills and claims against the city. 

5. To appoint judges of election. 

The duties of the other officers correspond usually with those 
of similar officers in the township and village. 


The City Under Special Charter 


Steps in Securing Special Charter 

1. Ten per cent of legal voters petition judge of dis¬ 

trict court to appoint a charter commission. 

2. District judge appoints a charter commission of 

fifteen men. 

3. Charter commission must frame a charter and 

submit the same to the people within six 
months. 

4. Charter voted on by the people at a special elec¬ 

tion. 

5. If adopted by a 4-7 vote, it becomes operative 

after three months. 

6. Amendments to charter must be submitted by 

the commission at any time, upon petition of 
five per cent of the legal voters. 

7. If adopted by a 3-5 vote, they become a part of 

the charter. 

Under a special charter, a city may provide for special officers, 

special powers for the same, and make any other provisions neces- 

sarv to meet the needs of their own local conditions. 

«/ 

The State 

Why We Have States 

1. To establish lower organizations. 

2. To serve as a basis of representation in congress. 

3. For geographical reasons. 

4. To establish and foster a system pf education. 

5. To decentralize power. 

Steps in Admission of a State 

1. People petition congress to pass an enabling act. 

2. Passage of enabling act by congress. 

3. Convening of convention in territory to frame a 

constitution. 

4. Constitution submitted to a vote of people. 

5. Constitution submitted to congress. 

6. Passage of act of admission bv congress. 

7. Proclamation by president, admitting the state. 

8. New star added to the flag July 4th following. 

Departments of State Government 

1. Legislative. 

1. Senate. 

2. House of representatives. 


18 


2. Executive. 

1. Governor. 

2. State officers. 

3. Judicial. 

1. Justice courts. 

2. District courts. 

3. Supreme court. 


Senate 


State Legislature 

Number of members. 

Sixty-three. 

Qualifications. 

1. Must be twenty-one years of age. 

2. Must be a resident of state one year 

and district six months. 

Term of office. 

Four years. 

Salary. 

Five hundred dollars per year. 

Nominated. 

By primaries. 

Election. 

Elected by people of the district. 

Vacancy. 

Governor issues writs of election to fill 
vacancy. 

Sole powers. 

1. Co-ordinate with the house of represen¬ 

tatives in general legislation. 

2. Excepting presiding officer to elect all 

other officers. 

3. To amend bills of revenue. 

4. To try articles of impeachment. 

5. Judge of election of its members. 


Honse of Representative 

Number of members. 

One hundred nineteen. 


Qualifications. 

1. Must be twenty-one years of age. 

2. Must be a resident of the district one- 

year. 

Nominated. 

By primaries. 

Election. 

Elected by the people of the district. 

Term of Office. 

Two years. 


19 


Salary. 

Five hundred dollars per year. 

Sole Powers. 

1. Co-ordinate with the senate in general 

legislation. 

2. To elect speaker and other officers. 

3. To originate bills of revenue. 

4. To originate articles of impeachment. 

5. Judge of election of its members. 

Powers and Duties of Legislature 

1. To make the laws of the state. 

2. To elect United States senators. 

Meeting 

The first Monday in January in odd-numbered 
years. 

Length of Session 

Ninety days. 

Process of Law Making 

First Process 

1. The bill is introduced into either house by one 

of its members. 

2. It passes that house by a majority vote of all its 

members. 

3. It is then sent to the other house. 

4. It passes this.house by same majority. 

5. It is then signed by the governor. 

Second Process 

1. Same as first process until end of fourth step. 

5. It is presented to governor for his signature. 

6. He returns it without his signature, together 

with his objections to the house in which it 
originated. 

7. This house reconsiders the bill. 

8. If the house passes the bill by a two-thirds vote, 

it is then sent to the other house. 

9. This house proceeds to reconsider the bill. 

10. If this house passes the bill by a two-thirds vote, 
it becomes a law. 


20 


Third Process 


Same as first process until the end of fourth step. 

5. The bill is presented to the governor for his sig¬ 

nature. 

6. If he fails to sign it within three days, or fails 

to return it to the house in which it originated, 
it becomes a law, unless the legislature by ad¬ 
journment prevents its return. 


Governor 


Executive Department 

1. Qualifications. 

1. Citizen of United States. 

2 '. Must be twenty-five years of age. 

3. Must have been a resident of the state 
one year. 

2. Nomination. 

By state convention of parties. 

3. Election. 

Elected by the people at the state and na¬ 
tional elections. 

4. Term of office. 

Two years. 

5. Salary. 

$7,000 per year, 

6. Vacancy. 

Vacancy filled by the lieutenant-governor. 

7. Removal. 

By impeachment by the house of represen¬ 
tatives and conviction by the senate. 

8. Powers and duties. 

1. Commander-in-chief of the military 

forces of the state. 

2. To call forth militia to suppress in¬ 

surrection or repel invasion. 

3. Appointing power. 

4. Veto power. 

5. Shall see that the laws are executed. 

6. Send messages to the legislature. 

7. Is a member of pardoning board. 

8. May convene legislature in special ses¬ 

sion. 

9. To fill vacancies in state offices. 


21 


Lieutenant Governor 


1. Qualifications. 

Same as governor. 

2. Nomination. 

Same as governor. 

3. Election. 

By the people. 

4. Term. 

Two years. 

5. Vacancy. 

President of senate fills vacancy. 

6. Removal. 

By impeachment. 

7. Salary. 

$2,000 per year. 

8. Powers and duties. 

1. To preside over the senate when in ses¬ 

sion. 

2. To fill the office of governor, in case of 

vacancy existing in that office. 


Judicial Department 

State District Courts 


1. Number of districts. 
Nineteen. 


2. Districts, how established. 

By the legislature. 

J o 

3. Judges. 

Qualifications. 

1. Must be learned in law. 

2. Must reside in the district. 
Nomination. 

At primary election. 

Election. 


Elected by the people. 

Term of office. 

Six years. 

Vacancy. 

Filled by appointment by gover¬ 
nor. 


Salary. 

Varies according to size of district. 
Jurisdiction. 


See page 12. 


State Supreme Court 

1. Number of judges. 

Five. 

2. Qualifications. 

Must be men learned in the law. 

3. Nomination. 

By state convention of parties. 

4. Election. 

Elected by the people. 

5. Term of office. 

Six years. 

6. Salary. 

* $7,500.00. 

7. Vacancy. 

Filled by appointment by the governor. 

8. Jurisdiction. 

1. Original jurisdiction over such cases 

as may be fixed by law. 

2. Appellate jurisdiction over cases arising 

in district courts. 


The National Government Under the Articles of 

Confederation 

Under the Articles of Confederation 

1. The government consisted of but one depart¬ 

ment. 

2. Congress consisted of but one house. 

3. Each state entitled to two to seven delegates. 

4. Each state paid its own delegates. 

5. Delegation from each state had one vote. 

6. Delegates served one year and could be recalled 

at any time. 

7 . Delegates could serve but three years out of six. 

8. Sessions of congress held in secret. 

9. Commerce controlled by states. 

10. Important measures passed by nine states. 

11. Amendments must be adopted by all the states. 

12. Articles lacked enforcing power. 

Intervening Steps in Framing and 
Establishing the Constitution 

1785. Alexandria convention held. 

1786. Virginia resolutions passed. 

1786. Annapolis convention held. 

1787. (Feb.) Congress passes resolutions. 


2:* 


1787. Philadelphia convention frames constitution. 

1788. Constitution ratified by nine states. 

1789. (First Wednesday in January) First presi¬ 
dential election. 

1789. (x4pr. 30) Washington inaugurated. 

The National Government Under the Constitution 

Departments of Government 

1. Legislative. 

2. Executive. 

3'. Judicial. 

Legislative Department 

House of Representatives 

1. Basis. 

One member for 191,000 inhabitants 
(1909). 

One member for 213,025 inhabitants (1913 
to 1923). 

2. Total number. 

Three hundred ninety-one (62nd con¬ 

gress.) 

Four hundred thirty-three (63rd con¬ 
gress.) 

3. Qualifications. 

1. Must be twenty-five years of age. 

2. Must have been a citizen of the United 

States for seven years. 

3. Must be a resident of the state. 

4. No United States officer can be a mem¬ 

ber of either house. 

4. Nominated. 

By primary election system. 

5. Election. 

Elected by the people. 

6. Term of office. 

Two years. 

7. Vacancy. 

Governor issues writs of election to fill the 
vacancy. 

8. Salary. 

$7,500 per year and mileage. 

9. Sole powers. 

1. Co-ordinate with the senate in general 

legislation. 

2. To elect speaker and other officers. 

3. To originate bills of revenue. 

4. To originate impeachments. 

5. To elect the president if electors fail. 

24 




Senate 


1. Basis of representation. 

Two senators from each state. 

2. Total number. 

Ninetv-two. 

3. Qualifications. 

1. Must be thirty years of age. 

2. Must have been a citizen of the United 

States for nine years. 

3. Must be a resident of the state. 

4. Election. 

Elected by the state legislature. 

' 5. Term of office. 

Six years. 

6. Salary. 

$7,500 per year and mileage. 

7. Vacancy. 

Governor fills vacancy by appointment un¬ 
til the next session of the legislature. 

8. Sole powers. 

1. Co-ordinate with the house of represen¬ 

tatives in general legislation. 

2. To elect all officers except presiding of¬ 

ficer. 

3. To amend bills of revenue. 

4. To try impeachments. 

5. To make treaties, with the president. 

6. To confirm appointments made by the 

president. 

7. To elect vice president if electors fa’I. 

Powers Common to Both Houses 

1. Each house is judge of election, returns, and 

qualifications of its own members. 

2. A majority constitutes a quorum to do business. 

3. A smaller number may adjourn from day to day. 

4. Smaller number may compel attendance of absent 

members. 

5. Each house shall keep journal of proceedings. 

6. Shall publish journal from time to time except 

such parts as may require secrecy. 

7. At the desire of one-fifth, the yeas and nays shall 

he entered on the journal on any question. 

8. May punish members for disorderly behavior, and 

by a two-thirds vote, may expel a member. 

25 


9. Neither house can adjourn for more than three 
da} r s, without the consent of the other, nor to 
any other place. 


Powers of Congress 

1. Pesources. 

1. To lay and collect taxes, duties and 

excises. 

2. To borrow money on the credit of the 

United States. 

3. To dispose of territory. 

4. To dispose of other property. 

2. Disbursements. 

1. To pay the debts of the United States. 

2. To provide for common defense. 

3. To promote the general welfare. 

3. Commerce. 

To regulate commerce. 

1. With foreign nations. 

2. Among the states. 

3. With Indian tribes. 

4. Commercial. 

1. To coin money. 

2. To regulate value thereof. 

3. To regulate the value of foreign coin. 

4. To tlx standard of weights and meas¬ 

ures. 

5. To pass uniform bankruptcy laws. 

5. Penalties. 

1. To provide for the punishment of 

counterfeiting. 

2. To define piracy on the high seas. 

3. To provide for punishing the same. 

4. To declare the punishment of treason. 

6. Postal. 

1. To establish post offices. 

2. To establish post roads. 

7. Patents and copyrights. 

1. To secure to authors the right to their 

respective writings. 

2. To secure to inventors the right to 

O 

their respective inventions. 

8. Judicial. 

To establish courts inferior to supreme 
court. 


2*> 


9. Naturalization. 

To make uniform laws on the subject of 
naturalization. 

10. War. 

1. To declare war. 

2. To grant letters of marque and reprisal. 

3. To raise and support armies. 

4. To provide and maintain a navy. 

5. To provide for organizing, arming and 

disciplining the militia. 

G. To provide for calling forth the militia. 

1. To suppress insurrection. 

2. To repeal invasion. 

' 3. To execute the laws. 

Prohibitions on Congress 

1 . Cannot suspend the writ of habeas corpus except 
• in cases of rebellion or invasion, when the pub¬ 
lic safety may require it. 

- 2. Can pass no ex post facto law. 

3. Can pass no bill of attainder. 

4. Can lay no capitation or direct tax unless in 

proportion to the census. 

5. Can give no preference to the ports of one state 

over another. 

G. Can grant no title of nobility. 

Powers Prohibited by States 

1. To coin money. 

2. To emit bills of credit. 

3. To make anything but gold or silver a legal ten¬ 

der. 

4. To declare war. 

5. To engage in war, unless invaded. 

6. To grant letters of marque and reprisal. 

7. To keep ships of war in time of peace. 

8. To pass any bill of attainder. 

9. To pass any ex post facto law. 

Executive Department 

President 

1 . Qualifications. 

1 . Must be thirty-five years of age. 

2. Must be a natural born citizen of the 

United States. 

3. Must have resided in the United States 

for fourteen years. 

% 


27 


2. Nomination. 

(See page 29.) 

3. Election. 

Chosen by electors, elected by the people. 

4. Term of office. 

Four years. 

5. Salary. 

" $75,000.00., 

6. Vacancy. 

Vacancy filled by the vice-president. 

7. Removal. 

Can be removed upon impeachment by the 
house of representatives and convic¬ 
tion by the senate. 

8. Powers and Duties. 

1. Is commander-in-chief of the army and 
- navy of the United States. 

2. To execute the laws. 

3. May require written opinion of heads 

of departments. 

4. May grant reprieves and pardons for 

offenses against the United States, 
except in cases of impeachment. 

5. To make treaties, with the concurrence 

of the senate. 

6. To appoint all United States officers 

whose election or appointment is not 
otherwise provided for. 

7. To fill vacancies in United States offices 

by granting commissions to expire at 
the end of the next session of con¬ 
gress. 

8. To veto or approve bills. 

9. To convene congress in special session. 

10. To adjourn congress in case both houses 

fail to agree on adjournment. 

11. To receive ambassadors, public minis¬ 

ters, and consuls from foreign nations. 

Vice President 

1. Qualifications. 

Same as for president. 

2. Nomination. 

Same as for president. 

3. Election. 

Is chosen by electors elected by the people. 

4. Term of office. . 

Four years. 


$12,000 per year. 

6. Powers and duties. 

1. To, preside over the senate when in 

session. 

2. To till the office of president in ease 

of a vacancy in that office. 

Steps in the Nomination of President and Vice President 

1. The national committee of the party meets and 

fixes time and place for holding national con¬ 
vention and calls on states to elect delegates 

O 

to the same. 

2. The state committee meets and fixes time and 

place for holding state convention, and calls 
on the counties to elect delegates to the same. 

3. The county committee meets and fixes time and 

place for holding county convention, and calls 
on all election precincts to .elect delegates to 
the same. 

4. The precinct committee meets and fixes time 

and place for holding caucus to elect delegates 
to county convention. 

5. The caucus is held and delegates are elected to 

county convention. 

6. The county convention is held and delegates are 

elected to state convention. 

7 . The state convention is held and delegates are 

elected to the national convention. 

S. The national convention is held and the presi¬ 
dent and vice president are nominated. 

Proceedings of Electors 

1. In the state! 

1. Electors elected by people at presiden¬ 

tial election. 

2. They meet at capitol on second Monday 

of January following. 

3. They proceed to vote by ballot for 

president and vice president. 

4. They make three lists of all persons 

voted for, for president and vice presi¬ 
dent. 

5. They sign and certify the lists. 

6. They send one list by mail addressed 

to the president of the senate at 
Washington, one list by special mes¬ 
senger to Washington, and the third 
list is deposited with the judge of 


the United States judicial district 
in which they meet. 

2. In congress. 

1. On the second Wednesday in February, 

the lists are opened in the presence 
of both houses of congress. 

2. The votes are counted and the person 

having a majority of all the votes 
cast for president is declared elected, 
and the person receiving a majority » 
of all the votes cast for vice presi¬ 
dent is declared elected. 

3. In house of representatives. 

1. In case no person has a majority of all 

the votes cast for president, the house 
of representatives shall proceed to 
elect one. 

2. They shall vote by ballot. 

3. The delegation from each state shall 

have one vote. 

4. A quorum shall consist of member or 

members from two-thirds of the states. 

5. A majority vote of all the states neces¬ 

sary to a choice. 

4. In senate. 

1. In case no person has a majority of all 

the votes cast for vice president, the 
senate shall proceed to elect one. 

2. A quorum shall consist of representation 

from two-thirds of the states. 

3. Each senator shall have one vote. 

4. A majority of all the votes cast shall be 

necessary to a choice. 

Judicial Department 

United States Courts 

Kinds. 

1. Supreme court. 

2. Circuit courts of appeals. 

3. Circuit courts. 

4. District courts. 

5. Territorial courts. 

6. Court of claims. 

7. Court of commerce. 

30 


The U. S. Supreme Gourt 


1. Judges. 

1. Number. 

1. One chief justice: 

2. Eight associate justices. 

2. Election. 

Appointed by the president and 
confirmed by the senate. 

3. Term of office. 

During life or good behavior. 
May retire at the age of 70, 
on full pay after having 
served 10 years. 

4. Salary. 

1. Chief justice, $13,000 a year. 

2. Associate justices, $12,500 a 

year. 

5. Removal. 

May be removed on impeachment 
by the house of representa¬ 
tives, and conviction by the 
senate. 

2. Jurisdiction. 

1. Original. 

1. In all cases effecting consuls 

and ambassadors. 

2. In all cases in which a state 

is a party. 

2. Appellate. 

1. Appeals from state courts 

where constitutional ques¬ 
tions are involved. 

2. Appeals from circuit courts of 

appeals. 

3. Appeals from decisions of dis¬ 

trict courts in prize cases. 

4. Judgments of territorial courts. 

5. Judgments of court of claims. 

6. Judgments of court of com- 

merce. 


31 


The U. S. Circuit Courts of Appeals 


1. Number 


2. Judges 


3. Jurisdiction 


1. Number 

2. Judges 


3. Jurisdiction 


There are nine circuit courts of appeals. 


1. Election. 

They are appointed by the president and 
confirmed by the senate. 

2. Term of office. 

During life or good behavior. 

3. Removal. 

By impeachment. 


Has appellate jurisdiction only over 

(a) Decisions, judgments, and decrees of 
U. S. circuit and district courts. 

(b) Cases arising under patent laws. 

(c) Cases arising under revenue laws. 

(d) Admiralty cases. 


U. S. Circuit Courts 

There are nine U. S. judicial circuits. 


1 . 

2 . 


Election. 

Appointed by the president and confirmed 
by the senate. 


Term. 


During life or good behavior. 

3. Removal. 

By impeachment. 

4. Salary. 

$7,000 a year. 


Has original jurisdiction only over 

(a)- Civil suits between citizens of differ¬ 
ent states when the amount in contro¬ 
versy exceeds $2,000. 

:*2 


(b) Suits to secure protection of rights- 
secured by the constitution of the 
United States. 

(c) Cases involving patents and copyrights. 

(d) Suits to recover damages under vio¬ 
lations of impost, revenue, or postal 
laws. 

(e) Has no appellate jurisdiction. 

U. S. District Courts 

1. Number 

There are 63 U. S. judicial districts. 

2. Judges 

1. Election. 

Appointed by the president and confirmed 
by the senate. 

2. Term. 

During life or good behavior. 

3. Removal. 

B} r impeachment. 

4. Salary. 

$6,000 per year. 

3. Jurisdiction 

Has original jurisdiction only over 

(a) Crimes against the United States com¬ 
mitted in the district. 

(b) Crimes, such as murder, committed on 
the high seas. 

(c) Piracy, when no circuit court is held 
in the district. 

(d) Suits to recover United States office. 

(e) Suits to remove United States officers. 

(f) Suits against national banks. 


Appendix A 

State Boards 

State Canvassing Board 

1. Secretary of state. 

2. Two judges of state supreme court. 

3. Two disinterested judges of state district courts. 

State Pardoning Board 

1. Governor of state. 

2. Attorney general. 

3. Chief justice of supreme court. 

State Investment Board 

1.. State auditor. 

2. State treasurer. 

3. Governor. 

i 

State High School Board 

1. President of the university. 

«/ 

2. President of the normal board. 

3. Superintendent of public instruction. 

4. A city superintendent. 

5. One other person. 

State Board of Control 

Three persons appointed by the governor. 


Appendix B 

State Executive Officers 


Elective 

Governor. 

Lieu-governor. 

Secretary of state. 

State auditor and land commissioner. 


* * 


State treasurer. 

Attorney general. 

Railroad and warehouse commissioners. 
Appointed by the governor. 

Officers 

Public examiner. 

Insurance commissioner. 

Superintendent of public instruction. 

Adjutant general. 

Military storekeeper. 

Dairy and food commissioner. 

Commissioner of labor. 

State librarian. 

Fire commissioner. 

State oil inspector. 

% 

State board of control, (three.) 

Appendix C 

State Officers (1911 to 1913) 

Governor—A. 0. Eberhart. 

Lieu-gov.—S. Y. Gordon. 

Secretary of state—Julius A. Schmald. 

State auditor— S. G. Iverson. 

State treasurer—W. J. Smith. 

Attorney general—Geo. T. Simpson. 

State Supreme Court 

Charles M. Start, chief justice. 

Charles L. Lewis. 

P. E. Brown. 

G. L. Bunn. 

C. B. Elliott. 

Minnesota members of congress. 

62nd congress. (Mar. 4, 1911 to Mar. 4, 1913.) 

Senators 

Hon. Knute Nelson, Alexandria. 

Hon. Moses E. Clapp, St. Paul. 

Representatives 

1st Hist.—Sidney A. Anderson, Preston. 

2nd List.—W. S. Hammond, St. James. 

3rd Dist.—C. R. Davis, St. Peter. 

4th Dist.—F. C. Stevens, St. Paul. 

5th Dist.—F. M. Nye, Minneapolis. 

6th Dist.—C. A. Lindbergh, Little Falls. 


71 li Dist.—A. J. Volstead, Granite Falls. 

8th Dist.—C. B. Miller, Duluth. 

9th Dist.—Halvor Steenerson, Crookston. 

Appendix D 

President’s Cabinet (1911) 

Sec’y of state—Philander C. Knox. . 

Sec’y of treasury—Franklin MacVeagh. 

Sec’y of war—Henry L. Stimson. 

Attorney general—Geo. W. Wickersham. 

Postmaster general—Frank H. Hitchcock. . 

Sec’y of navy'—George von L. Meyer. 

Sec’y of interior—W. L. Fisher. 

Sec’v of agriculture—James Wilson. 

Sec’v of commerce and labor—Charles Nagel. 

J O 

Members of Supreme Court of United States 

Edward D. White, Chief Justice. 

Joseph- R. Lamar, Georgia. 

Horace II. Lurton, Tenn. 

John M. Harlan, Ivy. 

Joseph McKenna, Cal. 

Oliver Wend all Holmes, Mass. 

William R. Day, Ohio. 

Charles E. Hughes, New York. 

Willis Van Devantgr, Wyoming. 

I 

Members of Commerce Court (1911) 

Martin A. Knapp, New York. 

Robert W. Archibald, Pennsylvania. 

Julian W. Mack, Illinois. 

John E. Garland, South Dakota. 

William H. Hunt, Montana. 

Some Salaries 

President of U. S. $75,000 

Vice president. 12,000 

Cabinet officers. 12,000 

Congressmen . 7,500 

Chief justice, sup. c. 13,000 

Associate justices. 12,500 

Governor of Minnesota. 7,000 

Lieu, governor. 2,000 

Sec’y of state.*. 3,500 

, State treasurer. 3,500 

State auditor. 4,200 

Attorney general. 4,800 

Supreme court judges. 7,500 

District court judges. 4,200 

Members of legislature. 1,000 

















Appendix E 

Taxation 

Kinds of Taxes 

1. School tax, voted by the people at annual school 

meeting. 

2. Town tax, voted by the people at the annual 

town meeting. 

3. Village tax, voted by the people at the annual 

town meeting. 

4. City tax, levied by the city council. 

5. County tax, levied by the county board. 

b. State tax, levied by the state auditor to meet 
appropriations made by the state legislature. 

7. National taxes, which are indirect, and are paid 
in the form of the tariff duties and internal 
revenue taxes or imposts. 

All taxes excepting such special taxes, as are paid directly to 
the state treasurer are paid to the county treasurer and by him 
turned over to the treasurers of the various corporations entitled to 
the same. 

All taxes are due Jan. 1st. 

Taxes on personal property become delinquent March 1st, and 
a penalty of ten per cent, is added if. not paid then. 

Taxes on real estate, one half becomes delinquent June 1st and 
the other half November 1st, and a penalty of ten per cent, is at¬ 
tached after those dates. 

The Primary Election 

Officers Nominated 

1. All county officers. 

2. Judges of district courts. 

3. Members of state legislature. 

4. Members of congress. (House of representatives.) 

Steps in Securing Nominations for County Office 

1. Any qualified voter may file his name with 

county auditor not later than twenty days pre¬ 
ceding the primary election. 

2. He must declare his political party, and the 

office for which he is a candidate, and pay a 
fee of $10.00. 

3. County auditor must prepare ballots for primary 

election. 


37 


JUN 14 1911 


4. Primary election held seven weeks before the 

«/ 

general election. 

5. The candidate receiving a plurality of the votes 

cast for the candidates for the office for which 
he is a candidate, becomes the party nominee 
for that office for the November election. 

6. No additional fee is required for placing his 

name on the ballot for the general election. 



m 








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